Axe-Swinging Suspect Arrested by Connecticut Police

WEST HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — Calls about an axe-wielding man in West Haven led to one arrest, according to police.

Peter Phaneuf, 54, faces charges after police were called to an address on Church Street on Thursday morning.

Investigators said several calls reported a man chasing a female around with an axe.

Officers found Phaneuf walking toward the doorway of a residence with a wood chopping axe. They said they were able to disarm him without any resistance.

Police said Phaneuf was involved in a dispute with his girlfriend and a second man. The woman said it began with Phaneuf accusing her of stealing money. She said he swung the axe at her and threatened to kill her.

The second man made the same accusation.

All three were intoxicated.

Phaneuf was charged with two counts of second-degree threatening, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer.